Hot Spot

Fresh, made-from-scratch meals. A relaxed, casual and fun atmosphere that’s ideal for families, date night or just about any other occasion. A friendly and attentive wait staff. These are just some of the draws of one of Norman’s newest restaurants: El Toro Chino Latin + Asian Kitchen.

For many, the mere mention of the words “La Baguette” immediately evokes images of the delectable desserts that have long made the restaurant a local favorite. From fresh fruit tarts and cream pies, to trifles, cupcakes and signature fancy cakes, La Baguette’s desserts are featured in dozens of restaurants and hotels stretching from Kansas City to Dallas and beyond.

Nosh: A Yiddish word meaning to eat food enthusiastically. Imagine my reaction, then, when I was presented the homemade-style meals provided at Nosh restaurant in Moore. Beginning with the Cheese Platter for Two, my date and I split the three cheeses competitively. Crisp slices of buttered bread accompanied each kind of cheese–spicy, Merlot-infused and cranberry.

When bringing the kids on a family outing for some bowling, mini golf or laser tag, you can’t ignore the 21+ upstairs of HeyDay Entertainment. Revolutions, the bar plus bowling alley, pool hall and arcade, features specialty cocktails and a full menu to boot.

The creativity doesn’t stop with the food. Meatball House also takes creative license with drink recipes, as well as the nom de cocktails. With names like Gettin’ Lucky in Kentucky, The Breeze Between Your Knees and the South in Your Mouth, the drink promises to get you sauced in a different way.

Artful is certainly an understatement, I think, as I walk away from Benvenuti’s Ristorante, 105 W. Main St. in Norman. My dining experience took me straight to the heart of Italy, where all of my feasting practices were left behind and my new tradition began to take hold.

How often do you begin and end your stay at a restaurant with the thought, âWhHow often do you begin and end your stay at a restaurant with the thought, “What more could I ask for?” Well, I could ask for nothing more than what was provided at Mary Eddy’s Kitchen & Lounge–all the way down to the chairs, made…

Pour water into a large pot with or without salt; bring to a boil. Once the water is at a boil, cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, pour the olive oil into a medium-sized pan and heat. Add onions and pepperoni, and sauté until onions begin to soften. Add sliced mushrooms, red peppers and…

Cut the flank steak into thin fillets, about ¼-inch thick and 3 inches wide. Generously spread one side of each filet with mustard to taste. Place bacon, onions and pickle slices on each filet and form into a roll. Use toothpicks or string to hold together. Heat skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Place the rolls in the butter…

Saute shallots and capers until simmer. Deglaze pan with grapefruit juice and reduce by half. When reduced, slowly whisk in butter until emulsified. Served with a cilantro quinoa salad. Although Legend’s originated with 13 partners in 1967, only Rebecca Sparks and her husband, Joe, remain as the two official owners. Joe invested in the restaurant in 1968. Inadvertently supporting their…

John Howell and his partners Jack and Lisa Hooper started formulating a vision for Blu in 2007 with one simple question: What does Norman not have? “The answer we came up with was that Norman was missing a wine bar with shareable plates,” Howell said. “That’s how Blu happened! It was very collaborative, and it would not have happened without…